Authorities say Janson Johnson was shot before firefighters found him dead inside a stolen vehicle earlier this month.
MILWAUKEE — Police are searching for whoever killed a 56-year-old Milwaukee man whose body was found inside a burning vehicle on the city’s north side, an investigation that remained open more than two weeks after the fire.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Janson Johnson. Milwaukee police later confirmed that Johnson had been shot before his body was discovered in the vehicle. No arrests have been announced, and police have not released information about a possible motive or the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Officers responded to the vehicle fire shortly before 10 p.m. July 6 near North 21st Street and West Concordia Avenue. Firefighters found a person dead inside after arriving at the scene. Police said the vehicle had previously been reported stolen in Milwaukee, adding another unresolved part to the homicide investigation.
Johnson could not immediately be identified because of the condition of his remains. His relatives said they searched for him for days without knowing that he had been found the night he died. The medical examiner’s office publicly identified him July 20.
Johnson’s sister, DeAnna Johnson, said the family was told dental records were used to confirm his identity. His daughter, Naudria Cooper, said an aunt called her July 16 with the news that authorities believed the person found in the vehicle was her father.
The identification ended the family’s search but left relatives with questions about why Johnson was killed and why the vehicle was set on fire. Cooper said her father had children and grandchildren who loved him and that the circumstances of his death had left her unable to return to work.
Residents near the fire reported hearing loud noises before seeing smoke and emergency vehicles. One neighbor initially thought the sounds were fireworks. Police have not said whether those noises were caused by the fire, the vehicle or something else connected to the case.
Authorities have not disclosed when or where Johnson was shot, whether he was killed inside the vehicle or moved there afterward, or how the stolen vehicle came to be used. Police also have not identified any suspects or released a description of anyone being sought.
Johnson’s relatives said he had struggled with addiction and had recently entered a treatment facility. They described that step as an attempt to move forward with his life. As the investigation continues, family members said they are relying on their faith and one another while seeking answers about his death.
The Milwaukee Police Department continues to investigate the killing. As of Thursday, no charges had been filed and no arrests had been announced.
Author note: Last updated July 23, 2026.